Description: Weeping lovegrass, is a rapidly growing warm-season bunchgrass that was introduced into the U. S. from East Africa. The many long, narrow leaves emerging from a tight tuft are pendulous, with the tips almost touching the ground. The drooping leaf characteristic gives rise to the name “weeping” lovegrass. Features dark green, fine textured, almost hair-like foliage that forms dense clumps. The flowers are olive-purple, maturing to a grayish color, and are quite delicate and move in the slightest breeze. Foliage turns a beautiful bronze-red color after a freeze. Leaf height is rarely above 12 inches. The seed heads are open panicles, reaching a height of 30 to 40 inches and containing numerous small, fine seeds.

Adaptation: Weeping lovegrass prefers a light-textured, well-drained soil, and will thrive on soils of low fertility. Climatic conditions determine its range of adaptation. Low winter temperatures will prevent regrowth and cause the grass to act as an annual or a short-lived perennial. Weeping lovegrass is distributed throughout the southern United States.

Establishment: This grass is easy to establish by seed. Seed alone at a rate of 3 to 5 pounds per acre, or 1 to 2 pounds per acre in mixtures with other species. Seeds will germinate quickly and plant growth is rapid. The seed is extremely fine, (our seed is coated for much easier spreading). Do not cover seed more than 1/2 to 1 inch on sandy soils; 1/4 inch is sufficient on silt loams. Cultipacking soil before seeding is helpful.

Sites too steep or stony for use of mechanical equipment can be seeded without soil scarification. Broadcast seeding by air or use of hydroseeders is successful if seeding rates are increased to compensate for poor seedbed. Where possible, the soil should be scarified and firmed.

Normally, weeping lovegrass can be planted after danger of severe frost is over, and anytime throughout the summer with success. Lime and fertilizer needs are similar to that for tall fescue and ryegrass when used for temporary cover.

Uses: Weeping lovegrass is used extensively as a temporary cover for erosion control purposes. On surface mine spoil, it provides almost immediate cover on steep outer slopes where spoil is rather acidic and of low fertility. It is also used as a nurse crop when seeding sericea lespedeza, coastal panic grass, or switchgrass. When seeding black locust or bristly locust, it serves as a companion species. perennial bunchgrass with a shallow and extensive root system. It can grow to 3 feet tall. It can also be used for forage, but palatability is not high except during lush spring growth period. The long weeping leaves provides excellent cover for wildlife, and the heavy seed crop supplies a good food source for birds. Grows well on well drained soil and tolerates heavy clay even though it thrives in sandy soil. Drought tolerant.

Management: Because of its short duration, there is no management required for weeping lovegrass. It is palatable to livestock and should be protected where this possibility exists.

Planting Date: In spring and summer after danger of frost
Planting Rate: 3 - 5 pounds per acre or 1/8th pound per 1,000 square feet
Planting Depth: 1/4" or less unless soil is very sandy
Zones: 6 - 9